PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. This is a man-made chemical that is notorious for its durability and resistance to heat. An important feature that makes it desirable as a chemical for water resistant clothing, nonstick cookware, and cleaning products. While PFAS are durable, these chemicals cannot break down and are known as "Forever Chemicals" for this inability.
Due to the permanence of this chemical scientists have discovered many negative side effects that have an impact on both animals and humans. With long-lasting impacts being: Decreased fertility, Increased blood pressure, Developmental delays for children, Increased cancer risk, Reduce functionality of immune system, Increased risk of obesity.
How do many people come in contact with PFAS? Well alongside many shopping items containing PFAS like clothes, pans, and food packaging, PFAS are also found to contaminate water, unfortunately for us Floridians. Florida consists of many bodies of water. From lakes to streams to rivers. The waters are soaked with chemicals. With much of Florida contamination happening due to "industrial waste discharges, runoff from military bases and airports (where firefighting foam is used), leaching from landfills or contaminated soil, and poorly regulated wastewater systems".
Participate in Citizen-led PFAS Testing: Joining a grassroots community that focuses on testing water is a great way to have an impact from a STEM perspective. Being able to join an organization that tests water for PFAS allows them to scientifically back up that the water has been infiltrated by PFAS. As such, raising this awareness with physical testing will call for government action. One such organization is Legal Claim Assistant, which is a national referral platform that advocates for community members when PFAS are found in the environment.
Sign Petitions: The second opportunity to raise awareness and call for changes is to sign petitions. Anyone can do this task, and I would highly suggest you do this task as you are reading this paper. Petitions are one of the best ways to get our lawmakers, big corporations, and generally anyone to pay attention. As of right now, there have been a few successful petitions. Such as the petition named the "ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND, BREAST CANCER PREVENTION PARTNERS, CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY, CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA, CONSUMER REPORTS, DEFEND OUR HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP, GREEN SCIENCE POLICY INSTITUTE, HEALTHY BABIES BRIGHT FUTURES, LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS" where multiple community organizations got together and with the singing of citizens were able to petition the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to PFAS.
Speak About It: Leading from the previous action of participating in petitions, you could do your own work to raise awareness of PFAS. Such as starting your own petition by taking inspiration from previous successful petitions. Additionally, you may have realised a lot of people around you don't know what PFAS are since it is becoming such a recent problem. As such, make it your duty to inform others. Speak out through flyers, social media, or even make your own petition. Make sure to get the word out, as the more people are informed, the more people support our cause and make a difference for our environment.